Submitted to the Faculty of Arts, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Philosophy of Arts in Psychology. / This thesis involved a psychological study of the shamanic trance states of South African shamans. Literature on shamanism has marginalized or neglected Africa. The aim of this study was to establish the main elements unique to South African shamanic trance states, as well as to establish common factors with other traditions of shamanism. The developmental aspect of the South African trance states was investigated in order to highlight and explore possible pathological or transcendental aspects of such trance states.(Abbreviation abstract) / Andrew Chakane 2020